May 6, 2026
We are pleased to share that Torys has been recognized four times at the 2026 Canadian Law Awards, reflecting the depth of our experience and the strength of our teams across multiple practice areas.
For the third year in a row, Torys’ Knowledge and Innovation team received the award for Best Use of Technology in a Law Firm. Led by Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer Sukesh Kamra, the team developed the revolutionary Torys Notes Product—the first fully automated, end-to-end workflow solution designed to ensure proper drafting, reviewing and filing of non-principal protected notes in Canada. The product sets a new industry standard for technological innovation by a law firm while delivering measurable benefits to our client.
Additionally, Torys was recognized in four deal categories.
Insolvency and Restructuring Deal of the Year for Canadian Tobacco’s restructuring under the CCAA.
Torys acted as counsel to JT Canada and PricewaterhouseCoopers in its capacity as receiver of JTI-MacDonald TM Corp., in the three historic jointly administered CCAA proceedings of JTI-Macdonald Corp., Imperial Tobacco and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges. This resulted in the approval of plans of arrangement for all three companies that address over one trillion dollars in claims and provides a settlement for the payment of C$32.5 billion to the various claimants. The Torys team was led by Scott Bomhof (restructuring).
M&A Deal of the Year for Strathcona Resources’ hostile takeover bid and Cenovus Energy’s acquisition of MEG Energy.
Torys acted as lead counsel to the special committee of independent directors of Strathcona Resources Ltd. in connection with its proposed unsolicited take‑over bid for all issued and outstanding common shares of MEG Energy Corp., initially valued at C$5.6 billion and subsequently increased to C$7.85 billion. Torys also advised on the concurrent equity commitment from Waterous Energy Fund to purchase common shares of Strathcona in connection with the bid, conditional upon completion of the transaction.
The team was led by Scott Cochlan and Neville Jugnauth (M&A).
Mid-Market Deal of the Year for Blue Ant’s go-public reverse takeover transaction of Boat Rocker.
Torys acted as lead counsel to Fairfax Financial as a shareholder and backstop provider to Blue Ant Media as part of its reverse takeover transaction and its ultimate acquisition of Boat Rocker Media and the acquisition by Fairfax Financial of Boat Rocker Media’s interest in The Initial Group Global, LLC, a U.S. talent management business.
Janan Paskaran led the Torys team, which also included Daniel Masliyah, Alastair Smith and Adam Sussman (corporate/M&A), John Tobin and Benjamin Mann (tax).
The Canadian Law Awards honour leading law firms, in-house legal teams, individuals and landmark deals over the past year. Learn more about the awards on Canadian Law Awards’ website.
Press Contact
Richard Coombs | Senior Manager, Marketing
416.865.3815